[Veniceman]

I had a licensed electrical contractor do the work. In fact it was their idea to install the dedicated circuit.

[kibblenbitz]

Originally Posted by Veniceman

I had a licensed electrical contractor do the work. In fact it was their idea to install the dedicated circuit.

I'm not doubting you. I just find it weird that they did this, under their licensing.
The dedicated circuit makes obvious sense, but the elimination of the GFCI is what's odd. Unless he installed a GFCI Breaker, which is the best and cheapest solution to the problem.

Edit: Just looked up a bunch of articles online, and I guess a lot of people (electricians included) are doing this...? *shrug.*
It's very much a code violation, but it looks like many don't care enough to follow it. Or they just don't even know... Nor care to know.

[LKJ1988]

Many peeps have one in the garage all over the state nate.

[kab0906]

Originally Posted by Florida2014

Lots of folks have them here in FL and they do fine. The only fear I would have is not to overstock them during hurricane season unless you plug that into a generator everything could spoil after a power outage (common).

^^^ This.

My in-laws lost a freezer full of food - most of it was from a once-in-a-lifetime fishing trip to Alaska - when hurricane Irma came through. Never keep a fully stocked freezer in hurricane season. Fridge, too, honestly.

[kibblenbitz]

Originally Posted by kab0906

^^^ This.

My in-laws lost a freezer full of food - most of it was from a once-in-a-lifetime fishing trip to Alaska - when hurricane Irma came through. Never keep a fully stocked freezer in hurricane season. Fridge, too, honestly.

Or, have that cool neighbor that owns a restaurant and has an industrial ice-maker, that can bring you some by the truckload!

[tonyp22]

I didn't know about high temperature rated freezers. Good to know. I am seriously considering getting a Propane tank and a generator to keep the house running during power outages. A big piece of change, I realize, but I'm considering it.

[Florida2014]

Originally Posted by tonyp22

I didn't know about high temperature rated freezers. Good to know. I am seriously considering getting a Propane tank and a generator to keep the house running during power outages. A big piece of change, I realize, but I'm considering it.

Where in Florida are you? If you're in a commonly hit area (think: Keys) then a big generator would be worth the expense, but if you're in, say, NE Florida near Jacksonville, probably not going to be worth the cost/effort as we are rarely hit directly (historically...not saying it can't or won't happen).

We bought a small generator to keep a few things going: refrigerator, phones charged, fans, etc. I know some folks here have their whole house set up with a backup generator but in our 7 years here we haven't found it was needed at all. Worst storm only caused us a minor power outage that lasted a half day.

[k350]

Originally Posted by kibblenbitz

Just be aware that the NEC requires that ALL outlets (including appliances) be GFCI protected in garages, with no exceptions.
A DIY-er can get away with doing this, as no one is signing off on work ensuring code adherence (although if an inspector catches it while you try to sell a house, you might run into the issue of having to replace it,) but I’m very surprised an electrician went ahead and installed this, as this could easily cost him his license. They're supposed to be plugged into a dedicated, GFCI-protected outlet, or GFCI-protected breaker. If you don't want the GFCI outlet for whatever reason, the only acceptable alternative is to do away with it entirely and hardwire it.

That is incorrect, there are exceptions. A garage door opened located on the ceiling is one exception, under the "hard to access" exception. A dedicated circuit for an appliance like a fridge is also an exception.

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by tonyp22

I didn't know about high temperature rated freezers. Good to know. I am seriously considering getting a Propane tank and a generator to keep the house running during power outages. A big piece of change, I realize, but I'm considering it.

If you mean a whole house generator and buried 500 gallon propane tank, it's an investment but the least disruptive. I was quoted around $14K a few years ago for one. That price included a 20Kw Kohler, the tank, all permitting, electrical work and an initial fill of propane.

Ultimately I went with a $3K big portable generator and $1K to wire up an interlock kit. While toting gasoline was a bit of a hassle the big part of the investment moved with me when I left Florida. For another $1K or so it now is ready for my new home, although the power doesn't go out like it did in Florida.

A lot depends on (1) your plans (2) how "automatic" you want this to be, and (3) if you're willing and able to wheel out a portable and cable it up if the power goes out.

[Fredesch]

You may need a pretty big generator if you want to run your AC, fridge and freezer going. Some folks have smaller generators that will keep their fridge going and power some lights but are too small for anything else.